IADR Abstract Archives
Literacy of HPV and Associted Risks Among Future Healthcare Providers
Objectives: There is a need for dental students (future healthcare professionals) to have better knowledge and understanding of Human Papillomavirus and its link between oropharyngeal cancer in order to better treat, diagnose and educate patients and the general population. The purpose of this research study was to assess the understanding, perception, and attitude of dental students towards HPV, the link between HPV and Oropharyngeal cancer and associated risk factors.
Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted with a peer-reviewed and pilot-tested questionnaire approved by the IRB (1154261-1). The voluntary questionnaire was distributed to dental students at two different dental schools in Utah from August to December 2018 and January to May 2019. Prior to administering the survey, the aim of the study was stated thoroughly to the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, with the level of significance set to p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 374 univeristy students participated in the study (Private - 258 students ; Public - 116 students). The majority of students reported that they have heard of HPV (Private 96%, Public 99%). However, one-third of the students did not report a link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer. In addition, only half and less than half (Private 63%; Public 26%) consider HPV-16 to increase the risk of oropharyngeal cancer. In regards to attitude, students did not feel confident asking the patients’ their sexual history (Private 49%; Public 74%) and discussing risks of head and neck cancers (Private 50%; Public 40%). More than half reported that they lack adequate education (Private 74%; Public 63%). The majority of students agree that patients are not fully informed and healthcare professionals should provide a source of information for patients, discuss issues related to HPV while recommending the vaccination.
Conclusions: Our findings revealed poor knowledge and perception among dental students about the health concerns associated with HPV, its relation to oropharyngeal cancer, its prevention, modes of transmission, and detection. It's suggested that a refresher course should be implemented in dental schools curriculum to improve the knowledge about HPV, and its association with Oropharyngeal Cancer.
Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted with a peer-reviewed and pilot-tested questionnaire approved by the IRB (1154261-1). The voluntary questionnaire was distributed to dental students at two different dental schools in Utah from August to December 2018 and January to May 2019. Prior to administering the survey, the aim of the study was stated thoroughly to the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, with the level of significance set to p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 374 univeristy students participated in the study (Private - 258 students ; Public - 116 students). The majority of students reported that they have heard of HPV (Private 96%, Public 99%). However, one-third of the students did not report a link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer. In addition, only half and less than half (Private 63%; Public 26%) consider HPV-16 to increase the risk of oropharyngeal cancer. In regards to attitude, students did not feel confident asking the patients’ their sexual history (Private 49%; Public 74%) and discussing risks of head and neck cancers (Private 50%; Public 40%). More than half reported that they lack adequate education (Private 74%; Public 63%). The majority of students agree that patients are not fully informed and healthcare professionals should provide a source of information for patients, discuss issues related to HPV while recommending the vaccination.
Conclusions: Our findings revealed poor knowledge and perception among dental students about the health concerns associated with HPV, its relation to oropharyngeal cancer, its prevention, modes of transmission, and detection. It's suggested that a refresher course should be implemented in dental schools curriculum to improve the knowledge about HPV, and its association with Oropharyngeal Cancer.